Heiko Seitz

As the global competition in electric mobility is heating up, Europe is at a critical juncture: How can we translate regulatory ambition, industrial strength and sustainability leadership into long-term global competitiveness? This senior leadership panel brings together policymakers, OEMs, new energy vehicle contenders, infrastructure providers, mobility operators and logistics leaders to explore how Europe can maintain - and strengthen - its position in the global EV race. The discussion will examine the EV ecosystem as an integrated system, exploring how policy frameworks, vehicle innovation, charging infrastructure, fleet adoption and green logistics need to collaborate rather than operating independently. Panelists with insights from Germany, Europe and China will address the strategic trade-offs, execution challenges and collaboration models that we need to accelerate the scaling of electrification. The session aims to move beyond technology debates and toward leadership decisions, cross-sector alignment and practical pathways for Europe to compete globally while creating a resilient, sustainable mobility ecosystem.

The Opening Night of the conferences within The smarter E Europe 2026 brings together executives,policymakers, analysts, and researchers to highlight progress and future opportunities in Europe's ongoing energy transition. The session explores how solar, storage, e-mobility, and smart grids can create a fully renewable, flexible, and resilient energy system. Speakers provide actionable insights on cross-sector innovation, digitalization, and new business models, showing what has been achieved and where decisive action is needed. The event also features the presentation of the The smarter E AWARD in five categories, celebrating outstanding innovations shaping the future of integrated energy solutions. The session inspires collaboration, sparks ideas, and empowers participants to lead the transition forward. Further information will be published soon.